The Life Before Her Eyes

Rated NR

Emil Sterns adaptation of Laura Kasischkes novel focuses on the psychology of a tragedys ramifications, instead of the tragedy itself. However, director Vadim Perelmans disconnected storytelling techniquesincluding frequent flashbacks and flash-forwardsmake it hard for viewers to make emotional connections with the films characters. A suburban moms seemingly utopian present unravels as she suffers from survivors guilt on the 15th anniversary of a Columbine-like shooting. Uma Thurman plays the traumatized woman as if shes borderline catatonic, while Evan Rachel Wood plays the younger, free-spirited protagonist; it seems like they are two separate people. But maybe that is what living through a tragedy does to someone.
ByLinsay Hernon